Announce
your inention to marry to BOTH sets of parents. Arrange to
have them meet if they haven't already.
Determinte
type (format, semi-formal, informal) style and theme of
wedding.
Make
a list of what is important to you for your wedding.
Purchase
or make a wedding organizer (a 3 ring binder with pockets
works great) to store all your information, contracts, ideas,
photos etc.
Speak
with your clergy/officiate and review synagogue/church
requirements.
Select
2 or 3 possible wedding dates. Begin investigating ceremony
and reception venues. If a venueyou like is available on one
of you've chosen dates, book it immediately.
If
any provider you like is available on your date, book them
IMMEDIATELY! Many of the best vendors will be booked up to a
year in advance.
Begin
researching ideas through bridal magazines, attending Bridal
Fairs and surfing the internet.
Finalize
your wedding colors, theme and style.
Select
your atendants (bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, flower girl
and ring bearer) and ask them to honor you buy being in your
wedding. make sure they are aware of what their
"duties" are.
Choose
and purchase your wedding rings.
Begin researching honeymoon options.
Discuss location, and if needed visit a travel agent.
Select
your wedding gown, veil, accessories and your attendant's
attire.
6 to 8 Months before
the wedding
4 to 5 Months befor
the wedding
Start
planning ceremony and reception music choices.
Purchase/hire your wedding gown,
veil, and accessories.
If
you are having a prenuptial agreement, it must be discussed early.
Purchase/hire attire for attendants.
Start
pre-marriage counseling (if required by church)
Select
invitations.
Register
for gifts.
Work with your florst and finalize
your arrangements.
Order wedding stationary (invitations,
envelopes, programmes, etc.)
Select bridal party wedding atire
Book limo/transportation
Select toastmaster
Start planning the wedding format
Arrange
accommodations for out of town guests (book blocks of hotel rooms)
Select wedding cake
Start making arrangements for
rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
Mail invitations
3 Months before the
wedding
2 Months before the
wedding
Meet
with your officiate to discuss details of the ceremony
Finalize
the guest list
Reconrfirm
the rehearsal dinner plans
Buy
the cake knife, guest book, toasting glasses and garter.
Choose
gifts for your attendants, parents and helpers.
Have the male members of the
wedding party, including fathers, fitted for wedding atire.
Reconfirm
honeymoon arrangements.
Write
your wedding vows, if youa re doing them yourself.
Schedule a hair and make up consultation
to do a trial run.
Obtain wedding license.
Schedule
your first wedding dress fitting.
Write thank you notes for any
gifts that may start arriving.
If you are having one, begin
putting together your ceremony programme
Meet
with vendors (caterer, florists etc.) to finalize arrangements.
If
you are changing your name, complete the proper documents.
Finalize
music selections for the ceremony and reception and turn them into the
DJ/Band/etc.
Reserve room for wedding night
Contact any guest who did not respond to the invitation.
1 Month before the
wedding
2 Weeks before the
wedding
Confirm your honeymoon reservations.
Discuss speaches and prepare speach for groom and/or bride
Meet
with photgrapher and/or videographer to discuss last minute details.
Start
working on the reception seating chart.
Have
final wedding gown fitting.
Arrange
for a reception babysitter, if needed.
Finish
(and print) the wedding program
Finalize
wedding vows
Confirm
all final payment amounts with your vendors as well as date, time,
etc.
Pick
up marriage license.
Finalize
reception seating chart.
Confirm
delivery time and locations with florist.
1 Week before the wedding
1 Day before the wedding
Pick
up wedding gown, attendants' gowns and all accessories.
Give final guest count to reception venue/caterer.
Reconfirm
everything with vendors one last time.
Make
sure men get their final fitting for their suits.
Attend
rehearsal.
Attend
rehearsal dinner. Give attendants their gifts.
Have
a manicure and/or a pedicure.
Put
together the tip evelopes (for the vendors) and give them to the
designated "tip person" (generally the best man).
Confirm
wedding day transportation.
Reconfirm
Hair and make up appointments.
If
you have access to the ceremony an/d/or reception venues, bring
everything over there that you many need (decorations, guest book,
etc).
Layout
everything you need for the next day in a safe place (marriage
license, dress, shoes etc.).
Speak
with everyone in the wedding party and make sure everyone knows
where to be at what time.
Try
to goto bed early and get some sleep.
Your wedding day
Eat
breakfast, even if you think you aren't hungry.
Have your hair and makeup done.
Give
the best man the groom's ring.
Begin
dressing two hours before ceremony is scheduled to begin.
Spend
a quiet moment looking at yourself in the mirror before you walk down
the aisle.
